Westport
Last weekend’s senior gents’ competition was won by Ivor Brett, with a score of 42 points off 25. He was followed home in second place with a score of 39 by Chris Lavelle off 16. Michael Kearns finished the round in third spot also on 39 points off 10, while Hugh Murphy finished in fourth spot with a score of 38 off 23. The Cat 1 competition for the 55 to 60-year-olds was won by Paul Dyar with a 31, the Cat 2 for 61 to 65-year-olds was won by Bill Hopkins with a score of 38 points. The Cat 3 competition for 66 to 70-year-olds was won by John English with a score of 34 points and Pat Murphy won the Cat 4 competition for those over 70 with a score of 35 points. The gents’ club competition was won by Philip Cawley with a score of 36 points off 13, Cathal Hughes came second with a score of 35 points on the back nine, while Des O’Leary and David Joyce came third and fourth respectively also on 35 points.
Next Sunday the Alex Mealia sponsored competition represents the second GOY event in the calendar, for both the ladies and gents’ clubs. Alex has been associated with the club for many years and will actually celebrate 18 years’ service on the day of his competition. Westport is lucky to have Alex as their resident head PGA, as he is ever present in his shop overlooking the first tee.
He has been to the forefront of many of the high profile events that have taken place at Westport Golf Club, including the Smurfit Irish PGA Championship, and the continued involvement of PING Europe with the club Am-Am. As to the format of the competition – no change there. A “witty” member once asked why strokeplay?....to which Alex answered, with that knowing look, “Professionals don’t play Stableford.” The gents’ club will allow qualifying cards to be played on Saturday May 9 between 4pm and 6pm. This Saturday rule is in place until further notice and is hoped will alleviate pressure on the Sunday time sheet. A further reminder that all remaining Murtagh foursomes first round matches must be played on or before May 10.
The ladies’ club under the stewardship of lady captain Mary McNicholas is having a memorable season to date. Following the first trip to Portugal where “everybody went out….came back” and the popular introduction of Pilates mornings, things got even better for McNicholas, when her team captain Pat Kelly brought home a victory over Castlebar in the opening round of Junior Foursomes in Enniscrone on Wednesday last.
Competitions for beginners start on Wednesday May 13 and every Wednesday during the summer months from 6pm. Beginner co-ordinator Freddie Molloy takes charge again this year for the ever popular weekly get together. A fund-raiser for the Niall Mellon Township Trust takes place on Friday May 22. More details will appear next week.
Ballyhaunis
Padraic Cunnane won the junior section of last weekends stroke play competition with a score of 63 off 19. The ladies’ section was won by Anne Freeley with a score of 70 on the back nine off 13. Second place went to Kay Buckley with a score of 70 also off 14. The gents’ section was won by Aidan Fitzmaurice with a score of 64 on the back nine off 14. Thomas Murphy came home in second also with a 64 off 18, while Anthony McNicholas came home in third with a score of 66 off 18. The Tuesday evening scramble will get under way this coming Tuesday May 12 at 7pm.
Balla
Last weekend’s competition sponsored by the Castle Inn was won by Stephen Minogue with a 38, Vincent Gibbons came home in second spot with a 37, and Stephen Walsh senior came home in third with a 35. The ladies’ competition was won by Aine McDonald with a score of 33, just one behind in second place was Breege Jennings on 32, and Geraldine Evans two further back in third place. Michael Miller won the youth section with a score of 24.
The outing to Westport country lodge saw the team of Aine McDonald, Padraig Joyce and Bob Legget win out, with the team of Pat Jordan, Don Dillon, and Mick Hegarty finishing in second place. Third place was claimed by Pat Walsh, Breege Moran and Mick Hegarty In fourth spot were Mary B Prendergast, Jerry Henry, and Marie Flanagan and in fifth place were Junior Prendergast, Oliver Moran, and Pat Dillon.
A presentation of prizes to the winners of the competitions sponsored by Sheridan Electrics, The Castle Inn, and SuperValu, Kiltimagh, took place in the Castle Inn, Castlebar, on Thursday.
